Mother, son direct LHS production of “Les Misérables”

Elliot Plummer, left, and his mother, Christine Plummer.

Mother, son direct LHS production of “Les Misérables”

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

Oriole News is a presentation of Ludington Area School District in partnership with Mason County Press. 

LUDINGTON — The upcoming Ludington High School presentation of the concert version of “Les Misérables” is unique on several levels. The production is a joint effort between the LHS Drama Club and the LHS Choirs. It is also a joint effort between drama director Christine Plummer and her son, Elliot Plummer, director of choral music. 

“This has been a great experience,” Christine said. “I know my strengths and music is not one of them. The hard work has really been on Elliot who has been able to showcase the beauty of the music of ‘Les Misérables.’” 

“There is a high demand for the music of this show but shaping the story, the context, the beauty of it, that’s all on my mother,” Elliot said. “She has a way of understanding what needs to happen. I can pull that out of the kids to a certain extent but you need an actual actress and director coaching them.” 

“Les Misérables” the musical is based on historical novel of the same name by Victor Hugo first published in 1862.Set in early 19th century France. “Les Misérables” is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption, released in 1815 after serving 19 years in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew after a bishop inspires him with a tremendous act of mercy, but a police inspector named Javert refuses to let him escape justice and pursues him for most of the play. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolution in France, where a group of young idealists attempt to overthrow the government at a street barricade in Paris.

The musical debuted in 1980 with music written by Claude-Michel Schönberg. 

The LHS production is not the full theatrical musical but rather the concert version. There is no dialogue, just singing. However, the cast will be fully costumed and projected images will appear on stage portraying the scenes. The music will be provided through a professional sound track that was purchased for the production. 

“This was a very expensive production but we felt we needed to do something big,” Christine said. “These kids have lost so much the last two years because of the pandemic. We had to cancel the same musical twice. I have always chosen material that works within the realm of the talent we have. I like to play to the strengths of the actors. This is a difficult and challenging production but I believe the kids have been ready for this.” 

Elliot said spring is often a busy time for the choral students because of several events such as regional and state solo and ensemble and festival, along with concerts. 

“These students have stepped up to the challenge and have worked really hard on this show,” Elliot said. 

“Les Misérables” will be presented Thursday, March 17, Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. at L.F. Peterson Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door for $5, general admission and $3, students and senior citizens. 

Cast and crew: 

• Jean Valjean portrayed by Ben Walanus
• Javert, Zachary Walanus                                  
• Bishop of Digne, Vincent Ott
  Fantine, Anna Burton
• Thenardiar, Aiden Sly
• Madame Thenardiar, Erin Rasbach
• Eponine, Heidi Faust
• Cosette, Rhea Maconochie
• Enjolras, Andrew Schrader
• Marius, Will Luce
• Gavroche, Katelyn Hill
• Little Cosette, Lucy Plummer, Ella Rowe, Matilda Nasson

Ensemble (In alphabetical order)

Isabella Acheson, Emma Adams, Maggie Autrey, Jamie Barron, Aurora Bowman, Lily Burden, Callie Chaney, Brooke Coats, Madeline Cooper, Kylie Copenhaven, Taylor Eldon, Layla Garcia, Matthew Garland, Joseph Griffes-Castonia, Grace Johnston, Katelynn Karnes, Lillian Kolb, Genevieve Lux, Vanessa Madl, Aiden Malburg, Rylan Mirretti, Braden Peterson, Lauren Rieman, Anna Reister, Makayla Rhodes, Kylie Sailor, Kate Shank, Malakai Honyoust, Arianna Smith, Liberty Stevens, Jessie Stickney, Faith Vega, Andrew Welsh.

Crew

• Stage Manager: Ana Garcia
• Backstage Manager: Braylin McIntosh
• Lights, Trinity Foster
• Running Crew, Alexis Kalchik

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